I am also an RN and can relate to the attitude that Cathy refers to. It has been a difficult run for me. I have had a positive ANA, trochanter bursitis, Fibromyalgia and suffer from joint pain stiffness, fatigue, all the time. It is so frustrating. Thankfully, I have been on immunosuppresives for several years so I have not had too many severe flares. I take prednisone off and on to cover flares but most of the time I am on Methotrexate, Plaquenil and take cortisone shots in my hips when I need them. So far, Ultram is the only thing that touches my pain when I feel bad.
I take care of a lot of patients with advanced RA and I am frightened one day I won’t be able to do the job that I love. People still don’t understand the fatigue I feel or the pain that I feel all the time. Sometimes it gets bad enough that I limp but other times I try and hide it so that people don’t look at me funny. It is frustrating. People just assume I don’t have pain but I have pain every day. I have good and bad days. I am frustrated frequently because I cannot seem to get control of my flares. I still have episodes of pleurisy that are really painful. It is difficult. I can so relate to all these stories. I think the hardest part of having RA and Fibro is people don’t believe you because you look “healthy.”
I can so relate to all of these stories. When I have more time I will post my experience. Thank you for sharing and Thank you Kelly for creating this website where we can vent, support and encourage one another.
Wow! These stories are heart breaking & uplifting! I was diagnosed a little over two years ago w/ RA. Also, whole life w/ severe endometriosis, constant infections (pneumonia’s/ sinus & ear infections) allergic to foods, dyes, most antibiotics & pain killers! As an RN was told much of if was stress related! Many tragic family events! Then my 50th birthday week, I found out that all my pain, swelling, lung nodule, toe spasms-deformity, was from RD ( like the disease diagnosis better!). Yes, both a relief, yet a sad & scary process. I am not going to give up! I know there will be a cure & I believe in the Power of Prayer!!! Thanks for listening((;
I am also an RN and can relate to the attitude that Cathy refers to. It has been a difficult run for me. I have had a positive ANA, trochanter bursitis, Fibromyalgia and suffer from joint pain stiffness, fatigue, all the time. It is so frustrating. Thankfully, I have been on immunosuppresives for several years so I have not had too many severe flares. I take prednisone off and on to cover flares but most of the time I am on Methotrexate, Plaquenil and take cortisone shots in my hips when I need them. So far, Ultram is the only thing that touches my pain when I feel bad.
I take care of a lot of patients with advanced RA and I am frightened one day I won’t be able to do the job that I love. People still don’t understand the fatigue I feel or the pain that I feel all the time. Sometimes it gets bad enough that I limp but other times I try and hide it so that people don’t look at me funny. It is frustrating. People just assume I don’t have pain but I have pain every day. I have good and bad days. I am frustrated frequently because I cannot seem to get control of my flares. I still have episodes of pleurisy that are really painful. It is difficult. I can so relate to all these stories. I think the hardest part of having RA and Fibro is people don’t believe you because you look “healthy.”
Thanks for having this website.
Heather RN
I can so relate to all of these stories. When I have more time I will post my experience. Thank you for sharing and Thank you Kelly for creating this website where we can vent, support and encourage one another.
Wow! These stories are heart breaking & uplifting! I was diagnosed a little over two years ago w/ RA. Also, whole life w/ severe endometriosis, constant infections (pneumonia’s/ sinus & ear infections) allergic to foods, dyes, most antibiotics & pain killers! As an RN was told much of if was stress related! Many tragic family events! Then my 50th birthday week, I found out that all my pain, swelling, lung nodule, toe spasms-deformity, was from RD ( like the disease diagnosis better!). Yes, both a relief, yet a sad & scary process. I am not going to give up! I know there will be a cure & I believe in the Power of Prayer!!! Thanks for listening((;
I hope I can learn from my others who share this diagnosis.